Does it really feel close enough to the end of the season that we're talking about players' futures? 

A Whatsapp group I'm in with a few friends recently had a debate over just when we can use the phrase "business end of the season" which, like all debates in said group, didn't really produce a definitive answer.

For me, given we're now one game shy of a full Premier League campaign, I think we're probably just about safe to say we're getting to that point.

So clearly while most thoughts are on just how the season will conclude on the field, some eyes will inevitably be on next season - particularly when it comes to players approaching the ends of their contracts.

One of these individuals made it clear he wants his situation resolved and that is Jacob Sorensen.

Following the thumping 5-0 win against basement boys Rotherham, City's Jac of all trades (credit goes to Ian Clarke for that one) spoke of his eagerness to extend his stay at Carrow Road.

For me, this one seems something of a no-brainer, with one rather significant caveat.

Since arriving from Esjberg in July 2020, Sorensen has proven himself to be a massively versatile, clever footballer.

From his lengthy spell at full-back having never played there before in his debut campaign, to slotting in at centre-back in recent weeks, he's never really let us down.

Every squad needs a player like this, somebody dependable who can provide cover near enough anywhere you ask him, not make a fuss and give his all.

However, there is one significant thing that frustrates about the Dane which he needs to prove - his fitness.

In his first season, he made 34 appearances under Daniel Farke, as City romped to their second Championship title in three seasons.

He has amassed four fewer appearances in the past two seasons combined following a host of nagging injury problems.

He's made 76 appearances overall in his four years at the club, which is hardly a flattering statistic - for all his good work when he is fit.

It's always a shame to see players spending as much time in the treatment room as the pitch - through no fault of their own mind you.

I often think back to Matt Jarvis on this front and the dog's abuse he used to get for it will always leave a sour taste.

It's important to note at this point that no player chooses to be injured and they'll be feeling the frustration more than anybody else.

However, as brutal as this sounds, injury records must be taken into account when deciding whether to commit to contract extensions.

Some players are just unlucky when it comes to injuries and, thus far, Sorensen has clearly been one of these. 

But the funny thing with injuries is there is clearly no way of saying with absolute certainty how and when they will happen.

Take Max Aarons for example - he barely missed a minute in his City career but this season had his first long-term setback at Bournemouth.

There are players who have nagging, recurring injuries for years, then nothing.

Therefore, it's fortunate we do still have enough time left in the season for Lungi to prove his are in the past - and if they are, keeping him is a very straightforward decision.

Since coming back to fitness this season, he's featured 10 times.

Of these 10 games, only one ended in defeat and that was against Liverpool.

When he's fit, he's a player I'm really fond of and reminds me  of Kenny McLean in a way.

In fact, Kenny is a great example of how injuries can be put in the past - it's easy to forget that McLean was out injured for more than half of his first season before emerging in the second half of the campaign and feeling like a new signing.

Sorensen is what I describe as a "thinking man's" footballer - he does the simple things well, is an assuring presence and comfortable using the ball well.

David Wagner clearly sees him this way too, being happy to deploy him in the heart of the defence in games when the ball will likely be on the ground more.

It is comforting to know you have a player who can do jobs all over the pitch too - although obviously I'm not sure how he'd fare in goal or in place of Josh Sargent up front.

But having a player like him is vital for any squad.

I think it is actually a real testament to Sorensen that he has shown his value without really having a big run in his 'natural' position in centre midfield.

This is, I suppose, the thing with utility players is that they seldom tend to cement a position as their own - but you also wouldn't be without him.

It isn't unfair to say that in his main position we probably do have better options - but that isn't reason to discard him for me.

Equally, this might not be true in the summer if we see departures.

Likewise, having a player who can comfortably fill multiple roles in any starting line-up is a hugely important thing to have.

For me, if Lungi gets through to the end of the campaign without any further injury troubles - I'd extend his stay in a heartbeat.